New & Newsworthy

The East Carolina Wildlife Arts Festival returns to downtown Washington this February. Arts of the Pamlico has taken the helm for the 22nd year of this event. This year visitors can enjoy wildlife art exhibits and vendors at the Turnage Theatre, Washington Civic Center, and throughout downtown Washington’s galleries. There will be music, an art walk, auction, and more. For the full schedule of events CLICK HERE or visit www.ArtsofthePamlico.org.

The Barefoot Movement ~ Feb. 16, 2018

The Beaufort County Traditional Music Association presents The Barefoot Movement on Feb. 16 at the Turnage Theatre. Hear what people are saying about The Barefoot Movement. “The Barefoot Movement is a group that embodies all the things that I love about what is referred to as ‘traditional’ music…They are both great players, singers AND arrangers of ORIGINAL songs..they know the importance of having and building an identity of their own. And it’s these original songs and the way that they have arranged and delivered these tunes that really captures your attention and keeps you wanting more.” The Beaufort County Traditional Music Association is celebrating its 10th year in 2018. Look for more amazing performances from this grassroots arts organization this year.

Race for Epilepsy ~ Feb. 17 ,2018

Thirteen point one miles may seem like a lot to you, but for people hoping to raise awareness and funds for epilepsy research, it is only a short distance to travel on foot. This year marks the 2nd Race for Epilepsy will be held in Washington. Runners will start and finish the race route in downtown Washington. Come cheer them on or lace up your shoes to participate in the 1 mile walk or 5K. There will be some street and road closings during the event scheduled between 6:30am and 11am.

Hometown Holidays Are Here

This weekend marks the official start of the holiday season in Washington. You’ll find Santa, a traditional Christmas parade, home tours, music, and more. Think Norman Rockwell when thinking of traditional Christmas celebrations in Washington! Plan to spend your weekend in Washington to enjoy the best of the season. For specific times and events, please CLICK HERE as there is simply too much to list!

For a complete listing of area holiday events, visit www.VisitWashingtonNC.com. There are so many great things to see and do this month in our area.

Harbor Walk of Lights

It is one of the favorite events of the Christmas season in Washington, and it lasts all month. Starting on December 2nd at 5:30pm, Washington’s harbor will gleam with the festive lights of boats. More than 50 boats are anticipated this year, making it a sight to see! Each night you can enjoy the lights all along the waterfront between the Pamlico River bridge and the railroad trestle. Walk at your leisure, drive by, or even paddle by if the weather is suitable. While you are here, take in some shopping and dining in the Harbor District. Later in the month, enjoy the lights in a Hayride with Santa!

In the Area

Several other Beaufort County communities have festivities planned that you may want to enjoy. Take a walk through Christmas past in Historic Bath with two upcoming events. Historic Bath State Historic Site has its annual Holiday Open House on Dec. 9th and a candlelight tour will be held on Dec. 2nd. The Toy Trains of Belhaven will open for the Christmas season on Dec. 2nd. A Holiday Home Tour is also planned in Belhaven on Dec. 9. Parades are planned throughout the area in the coming weeks: Washington (12/2), Belhaven (12/2), Bath (12/3), and Aurora (12/10).

Girls' Night Out Fall Crawl

Girls’ Night Out in downtown Washington

The downtown merchants in Washington are planning a Girls’ Night Out Fall Crawl to encourage shopping local this holiday season. There will be drawings, special offers, and, most of all, FUN! Gather some friends and come downtown on November 9th from 5 to 9PM.

Holiday Happenings

Washington’s waterfront comes to life at Christmas!

Plans are already underway for a spectacular Christmas season in Little Washington. The city will come to life on November 21st with the “Light Up the City” event. Downtown lights will come on in time for family and friends to enjoy them over the Thanksgiving weekend. Join others in the community at the Turnage Theatre to Light Up the City at 5:30 on Tuesday, November 21st. The Harbor Walk of Lights, boats along the river, will officially begin on December 2nd and run through Christmas. For an up to date schedule of “all things holiday” bookmark THIS PAGE and share with friends.

Signature Event ~ Smoke on the Water

Fall in Washington isn’t complete without the smell of BBQ cooking on the waterfront. The annual Smoke on the Water, presented by Washington Noon Rotary, will be held this year on Saturday, October 21st. This year’s event will feature a BBQ contest, chili cook-off, 5K race, car show, vendors, music and more. If you’re planning to take in the ECU vs. BYU, be sure to come downtown and pick up your BBQ for tailgating.

Last Chance of the Season

Two of our local favorites are ending for the season, so now is the time to take them in! Saturday Farmer’s Market, located on the corner of Bonner and Water Streets, will continue through the end of the month. Drop by every Saturday morning from 8 am to noon to see what is fresh that week. WE think its the perfect time to enjoy a boat ride, especially when it’s free! River Roving at the NC Estuarium is available twice a day Wednesday through Friday and once on Saturday. Call 252.948.0000 for reservations.

Mayer Kirby Mayer ~ Sept. 13th

The trio of Peter Mayer, Scott Kirby, and Brendan Mayer will make a stop on their tour in little Washington at the historic Turnage Theatre. The three will perform their blend of acoustic folk with a hint of tropical tunes for an excited audience. Tickets can be purchased by calling 252.946.2504 or visiting the Turnage Theatre/Arts of the Pamlico online at www.ArtsofthePamlico.org.

Monthly Favorites

The Saturday Farmers’ Market brings more variety as fall approaches. Visit the Farmers’ Market on the corner of Bonner and Water Streets in downtown Washington every Saturday from 8A-Noon. And, call now to make a reservation for River Roving, one of the best FREE opportunities found in Washington. The NC Estuarium staff and volunteers will take you on a river cruise along the Pamlico and Tar Rivers. Reservations can be made by calling 252.948.0000. Don’t miss Pamlico Sounds with Arts of the Pamlico on Sept. 22. This FREE event features music and entertainment for all ages. CLiCK HERE for the complete listing of September events.

Marquee on Main Film Festival ~ Sept. 15th-17th

Arts of the Pamlico will kick off the Marquee on Main Film Festival with a showcased film and continue through the weekend showing professional, amateur and student movies and documentaries. Blues & jazz in the gallery before the opening starts at 6:30pm. Films shown on a Saturday from 11-6pm and on Sunday 2-4pm ending with awards.

Pickin' on the Pamlico ~ Sept. 23rd

Enjoy a night of Pamlico River blue crabs on the waterfront at Washington’s Festival Park. This is an annual fundraising event for the Washington Harbor District Alliance. Please note the date has been changed from September 9th to September 23rd. For tickets call 252.947.1487.

Calendars NOW Available

The July-December 2017 calendars are available now in print. Email visitus@littlewashingtonnc.com or call 252.948.9415 ext. 3 to receive your copy.

Washington Summer Festival

The 34th consecutive Washington Summer Festival will be held on the Pamlico River along Stewart Parkway and Festival Park on June 9th and 10th. Downtown Washington comes to life with the music of The Embers featuring Craig Woolard, the sound children’s laughter, and the smell of funnel cake. Celebrate the lifestyle
that we enjoy on the river with your neighbors, friends and newcomers. Stroll through the downtown shops and see what the artists and vendors have to offer along the waterfront. Friday features the Embers and fireworks. Saturday features a Princess & Super Hero meet and greet, CW Trials Bicycle Stunt Show, and finishes the day with music from the Eli Craig Band. Click HERE for a full schedule of events or call 252-946-9168.

NC Sunflower Festival

The NC Sunflower returns this year to Raised in a Barn Farm. The 2nd annual event on June 23-25 promises to be a fun-filled weekend in Chocowinity and Beaufort County. Music during the Festival includes Bryan Mayer, Johnny Diaz, Mac & Juice, Liquid Pleasure, Mikele Buck Band and Doug Flowers Bluegrass Band. Sunflowers for SALE to support Riley’s Army; wonderful photo ops; up to 100 vendors of Food, covered pavilion to relax and enjoy daytime musicians and entertainers; Drink, Beer & Wine Garden, Crafts, Art, Products, Educational Exhibits; D C Amusements (per ride or wrist band passes additional), Seed Spitting Contest, Primal 4×4 Jeep Expedition, BMX Bike Show, non-denominational Worship and Praise Service on Sunday (free admission from 10-11). On June 17th at the Turnage Theatre in Washington, the Miss Sunflower will be crowned at the Miss Sunflower Festival Pageant. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.NCSunflowerFestival.com.

4th of July Festivities

Yes, we’re already thinking about July 4th! It’s not too early to make plans for one of the biggest celebrations of the year. Washington’s Waterfront and Festival Park will be abuzz with activity. Food vendors, music and more are planned for Tuesday, July 4th. We’ll keep adding information to the calendar listing as it becomes available. Be sure to bookmark the July events page. In nearby Belhaven, the town that has hosted a 4th of July celebration for 75 years, the festivities will begin on July 1st with the parade, music and fireworks on Tuesday, July 4th.

The month of May is full of all the good stuff we love in Washington! Our little town really comes to life with a flurry of activities to keep you busy, entertained, and lovin’ life! Here’s just a snippet of things to come in May. Be sure to check our online calendar to see everything that is coming up.

Arts of the Pamlico has Busy Month Planned

Arts of the Pamlico at the Turnage Theatre has an unbelievable schedule planned for the month of April. 3 Exhibits, 6 concerts, 2 festivals, 2+ shows on the big screen, 3 workshops AND MORE. Included in this listing is the annual BoCo Music Festival presented by the Beaufort County Traditional Music Association on Saturday, April 29th. And, the inaugural Glass Tulip Film Festival is scheduled for April 14th & 15th. Learn more about all of the programs available for ALL AGES at www.ArtsofthePamlico.org.

NC Estuarium Open House

The North Carolina Estuarium is a must-see for visitors and newcomers to Washington and Beaufort County. The free River Roving Cruises are just an added bonus! On April 8th the public is invited to an open house at the Estuarium as part of the statewide NC Science Festival. There will be extra exhibits, in addition to the 200+ permanent exhibits, programs, and activities throughout the day for children and adults to enjoy. Make plans today to enjoy another beautiful Saturday in Washington at the North Carolina Estuarium. Call for more information, 252-948-0000.

The Washington Marine Market returns this year on Saturday, April 29th. Find some of everything related to the water at this outdoor market. Vendors and individuals bring their wares. You may even score one of those hard to find replacement parts for your old boat or an antique fishing rod. You’ll just have to come and see for yourself. Complementing the activities of the Marine Market will be the BoCo Music Festival and Saturday Farmer’s Market. All are great reasons to come to downtown Washington and enjoy a day on the Pamlico!